Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

No Pain, No Gain

Well I had my fourth chemotherapy last week and this puts me 1/3 of the way finished with treatments! The treatment and doctor’s appointment seemed to go well. I had 200 neutrophils this time which is the most I have had yet! Woo-hoo! However, that is still an extremely low amount. I also got sick for the first time immediately after my chemo last week and have felt nauseous ever since. I think my expectations may be a little high and therefore I have been somewhat disappointed by my inability to rebound as quickly this time.

I titled this post “No pain, No gain” because this chemo stuff has definitely been painful but I know it has to be in order to get rid of the cancer! I don’t mean to be a “Debbie Downer” but no one really prepares you for how you are going to feel through all of this. I have just accepted the fact that I am never going to feel 100% normal until this is all over. My sleeping pills are no longer working and I am having trouble sleeping through the night. I also have this burning sensation in my upper abdomen pretty consistently which we think is a possible ulcer that we have been treating since the first week and it just doesn’t want to go away. On a positive note, my energy seems to be a little better today and I finally was able to get out and take a walk!

My sister has been home with me this week on her spring break and unfortunately due to me not feeling well and the rainy weather, we haven’t been able to do much yet. However, we are going to Branson with some family this weekend and we are pretty excited about that! It will be nice to get out of the house and spend some time with my aunt and uncle. I am so fortunate to have such a great sister who decided to stay home with me instead of going to the beach with her friends this week. Although we haven’t done much besides watch episodes of “Boy Meets World,” it has been really nice to spend time with her.

Next week is going to be a really BIG week! I have my next PET scan on Monday and the results of this basically determine my prognosis. Dr. Armor told us last week that with this type of cancer, usually it is all gone within 2 months of treatment. However, if it is not gone, we will more than likely have to do radiation along with chemotherapy. This is something we have been avoiding because it can increase my risk of breast cancer and heart attack before the age of 40. He also stated that while I will still be curable if there is still cancer in my body, it just means that the cancer isn’t responding as well and may be harder to fight. We will find out the results of the PET scan at my doctor’s appointment next Wednesday.

While I am really anxious about next week, I know that God is in control. More than ever, I have to trust in Him that it is all going to work out according to His plan. Isaiah 41:10 states “Don’t worry because I am with you, don’t be afraid because I am your God, I will make you strong and will help you.” I truly believe that He will give me the strength and peace I need whatever the outcome may be. I thank you for your support and prayers and ask that you please pray for the cancer to be gone from my body and that we will be able to continue on with treatment as planned.

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Brittany,
I know you probably won’t remember me! However, your dad and mom will. I remember when you were a little girl and would be at your Grandpa’s shoe store and would run down to Fair’s Fountain in the old Fair Drug Store with him or your Granny to get a fountain drink or ice cream or maybe even lunch. My mother and I ran that fountain back then. I have also known your family for a longtime. Way back to living neighbors to your great grandma/grandpa Swank at Farmserville.
I’ve recently learned of your challenge through my daughter Heather Harrington Evans, and have been reading your posts and all about this journey God has sent you on.
I want to commend you for your strength and courage to carry on as you are. You are truly an inspiration to everyone. The love of our God will carry you through this. We are very fortunate to have family and friends to reach out to in our times of need and you are blessed to have an abundance. Please know you and your famiy are continually in my daily prayers.